Home   News   Article

Positive report for Pennyland Primary Nursery after prior failings addressed





Pennyland Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in Thurso has received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate after an unannounced visit to the nursery.

The visit came after prior issues were highlighted last year in which "significant weaknesses" were found.

The nursery is situated within Pennyland Primary School and the Care Inspectorate Inspection report came after an unannounced visit on June 10 and 11 this year.

The nursery is situated within Pennyland Primary School in Thurso.
The nursery is situated within Pennyland Primary School in Thurso.

The Highland Council said it welcomed the positive report and highlighted areas in which the nursery received ratings marked five out of six (very good) for care and learning; setting; leadership; and the staff team.

The nursery was told to instate a number of improvements following the 2023 Care Inspectorate report which found leadership “unsatisfactory” and described care, play and learning as “weak”. It also pointed out that several requirements previously requested have not been met.

Education committee chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The recent unannounced inspection at Pennyland ELC, Thurso from the Care Inspectorate received a very positive report, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff at the setting to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos for all pupils attending.

“The report noted, the child-centred approach by all staff, with supportive and highly skilled leadership, and an environment that promotes children's natural curiosity in a stimulating and engaging way.

“I’d like to congratulate the staff at Pennyland ELC for their continued dedication and very good inspection report.”

Education committee chair, Councillor John Finlayson welcomed the report.
Education committee chair, Councillor John Finlayson welcomed the report.

Various areas appear to have been addressed at the nursery since the damning report of 2023 and the latest findings state that there is now a “sufficient number of suitably competent and qualified staff working within the nursery”.

“As a result, children were safe and received high quality play and learning experiences.”

Inspectors found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for the children.

The staff team was now described as “consistent and stable” which helped to provide continuity of care at the nursery.

The report states: “The children benefitted from a happy, caring and committed staff team who knew them well and were passionate about providing high quality care and support.

“All staff modelled respectful and caring behaviours which were reflected in how the children interacted with staff and with each other.

“As a result, children felt loved and valued by the people who cared for them. Staff also told us that they felt valued, with one member of the team sharing, ‘I am really happy and looking forward to the future developments we have planned’.”

One parent commented, "My child is given a stimulating and engaging nursery experience. The play and learning is pupil centred and ensures that they are being met with new and interesting stimulus.”

The nursery consists of four large playrooms, a kitchen area, and a large reception area with cloakroom facilities and notice boards. There is an enclosed outdoor play area which was also said to “extend and enrich the children's imaginative play and learning experiences”.

The main school grounds are also used for energetic physical play.

Care services in Scotland cannot operate unless registered with the Care Inspectorate. It inspects, awards grades and helps services to improve. It also investigates complaints about care services and can take action when failings have been found.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More